US12133299B2 - Reservoir filling system for an electronic vaping device - Google Patents

Abstract

A reservoir refill system for an electronic vaping device includes a refill container and a reservoir. The refill container contains a pre-vapor formulation. The refill container includes a body, an opening in the body, and a first interlocking ring including at least one groove or at least one protrusion therein. The reservoir is configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation and includes a reservoir body, an opening in the reservoir body, and a second interlocking ring including at least one groove or at least one protrusion therein at an opening of the reservoir. The first interlocking ring is configured to mate with the second interlocking ring so as to release the pre-vapor formulation from the refill container to the reservoir.

Description

PRIORITY STATEMENT

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/056,837, filed Nov. 18, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/577,280, filed Sep. 20, 2019, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/933,551, filed Nov. 5, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. provisional app. No. 62/075,432, filed on Nov. 5, 2014, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUNDField

The present disclosure relates to an electronic vaping device configured to deliver a pre-vapor formulation from a reservoir to a heater. The reservoir may be a container, such as a bottle or a tank that has a neck. The reservoir may be refillable.

Description of Related Art

An electronic vaping device includes a heater element, which vaporizes a pre-vapor formulation to produce a vapor. The heater element may include a resistive heater coil, with a wick extending there through.

SUMMARY

At least one example embodiment relates to a refill container.

In at least one example embodiment, a refill container includes a body containing a formulation, an opening in the body, and a first interlocking ring at the opening of the body. The first interlocking ring includes at least one of a groove and a protrusion therein. The interlocking ring is configured to mate with a second interlocking ring attached to a reservoir configured to hold the formulation.

In at least one example embodiment, the refill container further includes a ball valve in a neck of the opening and a crown adjacent the spring loaded ball. The ball valve includes a spring loaded ball, and the crown is configured to shield the spring loaded ball from being accessed. The refill container may further include a cap integrally formed with the first interlocking ring.

At least one example embodiment relates to a cartridge of an electronic vaping device including a reservoir.

In at least one example embodiment, a cartridge of an electronic vaping device includes a reservoir. The reservoir is configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir is refillable. The reservoir includes an opening and a first interlocking ring at the opening. The first interlocking ring includes at least one of a groove and a protrusion. The first interlocking ring is configured to connect to a second interlocking ring attached to a refill container.

In at least one example embodiment, the first interlocking ring includes at least one of a plurality of grooves and a plurality of protrusions spaced about a circumference of the first interlocking ring. The opening in the reservoir may further include a valve. The valve includes a spring loaded disk and a gasket. The reservoir may also include a chimney support configured to maintain the spring loaded disk in place until the first interlocking ring is connected to a second interlocking ring.

At least one example embodiment relates to an electronic vaping device.

In at least one example embodiment, an electronic vaping device includes a housing extending in a longitudinal direction, a reservoir configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation, and a heater in fluid communication with the reservoir. The reservoir is refillable. The reservoir includes an opening and a first interlocking ring at the opening. The first interlocking ring includes at least one of a groove and a protrusion. The first interlocking ring is configured to connect to a second interlocking ring attached to a refill container.

In at least one example embodiment, the first interlocking ring includes at least one of a plurality of grooves and a plurality of protrusions spaced about a circumference of the first interlocking ring. The opening in the reservoir may further include a valve. The valve includes a spring loaded disk and a gasket.

In at least one example embodiment, the electronic vaping device may also include a chimney support configured to maintain the spring loaded disk in place until the first interlocking ring is connected to a second interlocking ring.

At least one example embodiment relates to a reservoir refill system.

In at least one example embodiment, a reservoir refill system includes a refill container containing a pre-vapor formulation and a reservoir configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation. The refill container includes a container body, an opening in the container body, and a first interlocking ring including at least one of a groove and a protrusion therein positioned at the opening in the container body. The reservoir includes a reservoir body configured to contain the pre-vapor formulation, an opening in the reservoir body, and a second interlocking ring including at least one of a groove and a protrusion therein. The second interlocking ring is positioned at the opening in the reservoir body. The first interlocking ring is configured to connect to the second interlocking ring.

In at least one example embodiment, at least one of the first interlocking ring and the second interlocking ring is colored. The first interlocking ring and the second interlocking ring may be the same color. At least one of the first interlocking ring and the second interlocking ring may include at least one of a plurality of grooves and a plurality of protrusions spaced about a circumference thereof. At least one of the first interlocking ring and the second interlocking ring may be formed of plastic.

In at least one example embodiment, the opening in the reservoir may further includes a valve. The valve includes a spring loaded disk and a gasket.

In at least one example embodiment, the reservoir further includes a chimney support configured to maintain the spring loaded disk in place until the first interlocking ring is connected to a second interlocking ring.

In at least one example embodiment, the refill container may further include a ball valve in a neck of the opening. The ball valve includes a spring loaded ball and a crown adjacent the spring loaded ball. The crown is configured to shield the spring loaded ball from being accessed.

In at least one example embodiment, at least one of the first interlocking ring and the second interlocking ring is impregnated with at least one of a flavorant and a chemesthesis agent having one or more of a spicy, bitter, and sour taste. At least one of the first interlocking ring and the second interlocking ring may include a coating comprising at least one of a flavorant and a chemesthesis agent having one or more of a spicy, bitter, and sour taste.

In at least one example embodiment, a cap is integrally formed with the first interlocking ring.

At least one example embodiment relates to a reservoir refill system.

In at least one example embodiment, a reservoir refill system includes a refill container containing a pre-vapor formulation and a reservoir configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation. The refill container includes a container body, an opening in the container body, and a perforated disk having one or more holes therein. The reservoir includes a reservoir body configured to contain the pre-vapor formulation, an opening in the reservoir body, and a crown including one or more teeth thereon. The teeth are sized and configured to be received in the one or more holes in the perforated disk.

In at least one example embodiment, the reservoir refill system may also include a first interlocking ring including one or more of at least one groove and at least one protrusion therein at an opening in one of the container body and the reservoir body. The reservoir refill system may also include a second interlocking ring including one or more of at least one groove and at least one protrusion therein at an opening of one of the container body and the reservoir body.

In at least one example embodiment, at least one of the first interlocking ring and the second interlocking ring is impregnated with at least one of a flavorant and a chemesthesis agent having one or more of a spicy, bitter, and sour taste. At least one of the first interlocking ring and the second interlocking ring may include a coating comprising at least one of a flavorant and a chemesthesis agent having one or more of a spicy, bitter, and sour taste.

At least one example embodiment relates to a method of refilling a reservoir.

In at least one example embodiment, a method of refilling a reservoir of an electronic vaping device includes inserting at least one protrusion of a first interlocking ring into at least one groove of a second interlocking ring so as to engage a spring loaded ball of a refill container and a spring loaded disk of a reservoir, and releasing a formulation from the refill container to the reservoir.

At least one example embodiment relates to a cartridge of an electronic vaping device.

In at least one example embodiment, a cartridge includes a housing extending in a longitudinal direction and a chimney extending in the longitudinal direction. The chimney is in the housing. The chimney includes at least one protrusion along a length of the chimney, and at least one stop along the length of the chimney. The cartridge also includes a reservoir configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir is refillable. The reservoir is between the housing and the chimney. The cartridge also includes a valve circumscribing the chimney. The valve includes a first ring abutting the at least one stop, a second ring abutting the at least one protrusion, and at least one pillar connecting the first ring and the second ring, the valve being formed of a flexible material.

In at least one example embodiment, the at least one pillar is generally convex and the second ring has a larger diameter than the first ring. The flexible material may be rubber.

In at least one example embodiment, the at least one pillar is generally concave and the first ring has a larger diameter than the second ring.

At least one example embodiment relates to a reservoir refill system.

In at least one example embodiment, a reservoir refill system includes a refill container containing a pre-vapor formulation and a cartridge configured to hold the pre-vapor formulation. The refill container includes a container body, an opening in the container body, and a ball valve assembly positioned at the opening. The ball valve assembly includes a ball valve portion, a shoulder portion extending from the ball valve portion, the shoulder portion including one or more openings extending therethrough, and a gasket portion integrally formed with the ball valve. The gasket portion is connected to the ball valve by the shoulder portion. The cartridge is configured to mate with the refill container. The cartridge includes a housing extending in a longitudinal direction and a chimney extending in the longitudinal direction. The chimney is in the housing. The chimney includes at least one protrusion along a length of the chimney, and at least one stop along the length of the chimney. The cartridge also includes a reservoir that configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir is refillable, and the reservoir is between the housing and the chimney. A valve circumscribes the chimney. The valve includes a first ring abutting the at least one stop, a second ring abutting the at least one protrusion, and at least one pillar connecting the first ring and the second ring. The valve is formed of a flexible material.

In at least one example embodiment, a refill container containing a pre-vapor formulation includes a container body, an opening in the container body, and a ball valve assembly positioned at the opening. The ball valve assembly includes a ball valve portion, a shoulder portion extending from the ball valve portion, the shoulder portion including one or more openings extending therethrough, and a gasket portion integrally formed with the ball valve, the gasket portion connected to the ball valve by the shoulder portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. For purposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have been exaggerated.

FIG.1 is a side view of a refill bottle including a male interlocking ring for mating with a female interlocking ring according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.2 is a side view of a refill tube including a male interlocking ring for mating with a female interlocking ring according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.3 is an enlarged, side, cross-sectional view of a refill bottle including a male interlocking ring for mating with a female interlocking ring according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.4 is an enlarged, side view of a capped refill tube including a male interlocking ring for mating with a female interlocking ring of a reservoir according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.5 is a side view of a refill bottle including a male interlocking ring including a coating applied at an opening of the refill bottle according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.6 is a side view of a cartridge including a female interlocking ring according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.7 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge ofFIG.6 according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.8 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.9 is a side view of a cartridge including a female interlocking ring including a coating applied at an opening of the cartridge according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.10 is a side view of a cartridge mated with a refill bottle according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.11 is a top planar view of an electronic vaping device according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.12 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic vaping device ofFIG.12 along line XIII-XIII according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.13 is a perspective view of a cartridge including a mouthpiece according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.14 is a cross-sectional view of a refill container according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.15 is a perspective view of a ball valve of a refill container according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.16 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of a cartridge including a valve according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.17 is a perspective view of the valve ofFIG.16 according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.18 of a cross-sectional view of the cartridge ofFIG.16 mated with the refill container ofFIG.14 according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.19 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of a cartridge including a valve according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.20 is a perspective view of the valve ofFIG.19 according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.21 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge ofFIG.19 mated with the refill container ofFIG.14 according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.22 is a perspective view of a cartridge including a mouthpiece according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.23 is a perspective view of a cartridge including a mouthpiece according to at least one example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, example embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but to the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of example embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

At least one example embodiment is related to a refill container that contains a pre-vapor formulation. Pre-vapor formulation refills may be provided in containers, such as tubes and/or bottles that are sold separately or with an electronic vaping device. The tubes may be compressible and may reduce in size after emptying, while bottles may be compressible or rigid, but maintain shape when emptied. The refills may be contained in any suitable container having any suitable size and shape.

In at least one example embodiment, the pre-vapor formulation may be a material or combination of materials that may be transformed into a vapor. For example, the pre-vapor formulation may be a liquid, solid and/or gel formulation including, but not limited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, and/or vapor formers, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

FIG.1 is a side view of a refill bottle including a male interlocking ring for mating with a female interlocking ring of a reservoir and/or a cartridge according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.1, a refill bottle (or container)10 may include amale interlocking ring14 having at least one protrusion16 (e.g., at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, etc.) thereon. In at least one example embodiment, the at least oneprotrusion16 of themale interlocking ring14 is sized and configured to be received in agroove22 of afemale interlocking ring20 as described below with respect toFIG.6.

FIG.2 is a side view of a refill tube including a male interlocking ring configured to mate with the female interlocking ring of a reservoir according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.2, instead of therefill bottle10 ofFIG.1, the pre-vapor formulation refill may be stored in a refill tube (or container)12 including themale interlocking ring14. Therefill tube12 may have a different shape and/or size than therefill bottle10, and may be formed of a flexible material, such that thetube12 may be squeezed to aid in releasing the pre-vapor formulation when thetube12 is mated with a reservoir.

FIG.3 is a side, cross-sectional view of a male interlocking ring for mating with a female interlocking ring of a reservoir according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.3, therefill bottle10 or tube12 (not shown) may include aball valve26 in acontainer neck28 at an outlet of therefill bottle10 ortube12. Theball valve26 substantially prevents and/or reduces the release of pre-vapor formulation when thebottle10 ortube12 is overturned or squeezed. In at least one example embodiment, the pre-vapor formulation is only released when a spring-loadedball30 of theball valve26 in thecontainer neck28 of thebottle10 or tube22 (or container) is pushed in. Acrown32 adjacent the spring-loadedball30 may substantially prevent a person from accessing the spring-loadedball30 and pushing the spring-loadedball30 in so as to prevent and/or reduce release of the pre-vapor formulation unless therefill bottle10 is mated with a reservoir or cartridge to be refilled. In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.3, the spring-loadedball30 is pushed in when themale interlocking ring14 of therefill bottle10 ortube12 is mated with afemale interlocking ring20 as shown inFIG.6 and discussed below.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.3, themale interlocking ring14 includes at least oneprotrusion16 that are inserted in perforations in a portion of a female interlocking ring as described below with reference toFIGS.8 and9. In addition, theteeth84 on acrown26 are sized and configured to mate withperforations64 of a perforated disk62 (shown inFIG.8).

FIG.4 is an enlarged, side view of a capped refill tube including a male interlocking ring for mating with a female interlocking ring according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.4, themale interlocking ring14 is generally the same as that ofFIG.3 except that themale interlocking ring14 is designed and manufactured as an integral part of a sealingcap34. When thecap34 is removed, by twisting off or by other removal methods, themale interlocking ring14 detaches (e.g., breaks off) from thecap34 and remains on thecontainer neck28 of therefill bottle10 ortube12.

FIG.5 is a side view of a refill bottle including a male interlocking ring including a coating applied at an opening of the refill bottle according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.5, themale interlocking ring14 is generally the same as that ofFIG.3 except that themale interlocking ring14 includes acoating100 applied to an external surface of themale interlocking ring14 and/or themale interlocking ring14 is impregnated with a flavorant and/or chemesthesis agent. The flavorant and/or the chemesthesis agent may be any additive that is bitter, sour, and/or spicy, and which is generally unpleasing in taste. In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant and/or chemesthesis agent is food safe and non-toxic. For example, the flavorant and/or chemesthesis agent may include vinegar, cayenne pepper, other peppers, any bitter flavorant, and combinations of these. The inclusion of acoating100 or impregnation with flavorants and/or chemesthesis agents as described herein may discourage and/or prevent a person from placing their mouth on therefill bottle10 ortube12 so as to assist in preventing and/or minimizing undesirable contact with the pre-vapor formulation.

FIG.6 is a side view of a cartridge including a female interlocking ring according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.6, a cartridge (or first section)40 of an electronic vaping device (not shown), contains a reservoir18 (shown inFIG.7) and includes afemale interlocking ring20 at an opening therein. The opening is in fluid communication with thereservoir18. Thefemale interlocking ring20 may include at least one groove22 (e.g., at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, etc.) therein. The at least onegroove22 is sized and configured to receive the at least oneprotrusion16 of themale interlocking ring14 as described above.

FIG.7 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.7, thefemale interlocking ring20 may surround an opening in thecartridge40 and the opening is in fluid communication with thereservoir18. Thecartridge40 also includes avalve42 at a mouth-end44 of thereservoir18. Thevalve42 substantially prevents and/or reduces the release of the pre-vapor formulation from thereservoir18 when thecartridge40 is overturned. The pre-vapor formulation may be received when a spring-loadeddisk50 including agasket52 in aneck54 surrounding the opening is pushed in.

In at least one example embodiment, the spring-loadeddisk50 may not be seen or accessed when a mouth-end insert44 or amouthpiece46 is connected to thecartridge40 as discussed in detail below with respect toFIGS.11-13. When the mouth-end insert44 ormouthpiece46 is disconnected from thecartridge40, achimney support92 at the neck19 substantially prevents a person from pushing the spring-loadeddisk50 in so as to substantially prevent and/or reduce release of the pre-vapor formulation when thereservoir18 is not connected with therefill bottle10 ortube12. Thereservoir18 may also include aperforated disk62.

In at least one example embodiment, awick90 extends into thereservoir18. The wick delivers pre-vapor formulation from thereservoir18 to aheater88 discussed in detail below. Electrical leads101,101′ extend from theheater88 and complete an electrical connection with a battery or other power source as discussed below.

FIG.8 is an enlarged, perspective view of thecartridge40 having theperforated disk62 at an opening therein. As shown, theperforated disk62 includesperforations64 that are configured to receive theteeth84 as associated with thecrown26 described with respect toFIG.3 above. In at least one example embodiment, theperforations64 are generally uniformly arranged on the face of theperforated disk62. In other example embodiments, theperforations64 may be irregularly spaced on the face of theperforated disk62 such that theperforated disk62 is asymmetrical. Thus, an asymmetricalperforated disk62 may be formed to accept only specific refills.

FIG.9 is a side view of a cartridge and a female interlocking ring having a coating applied at an opening according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.9, acoating100 may be applied to thefemale interlocking ring20 and/or thefemale interlocking ring20 may be impregnated with a flavorant and/or chemesthesis agent, which may be the same and/or different flavorant and/or chemesthesis agent applied to themale interlocking ring14 as described above with respect toFIG.5.

FIG.10 is a side view of a cartridge mated with a refill bottle according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.10, to mate thecartridge40 with therefill bottle10 ortube12, an adult vaper aligns theprotrusions16 on themale interlocking ring14 with thegrooves22 on thefemale interlocking ring20 and interlocks and/or friction or pressure fits thefirst section40 and/orreservoir18 with therefill bottle10 ortube12. As themale interlocking ring14 of therefill bottle10 ortube12 is inserted into thefemale interlocking ring20, an O-ring56 may seal the opening of thereservoir18 and therefill bottle10 ortube12 so as to substantially prevent and/or reduce leakage of the pre-vapor formulation during refill. Simultaneously, thecrown32 at the top of themale interlocking ring14 of therefill bottle10 ortube12 presses against the spring-loadeddisk50 andgasket52 to allow the pre-vapor formulation to enter thereservoir18. In addition, theteeth84 in thecrown32 of therefill bottle10 ortube12 are inserted through theperforations64 in theperforated disk62. Theteeth84 press the spring-loadeddisk50 downward and the spring-loadedball30 is pressed into contact the chimney (or inner tube)58 that extends through thereservoir18 so as to seal the chimney38 from entry of pre-vapor formulation. Once the spring-loadeddisk50 is depressed and the spring-loadedball30 is pressed in and engaged with thechimney58, the pre-vapor formulation is allowed to flow from therefill bottle10 ortube12 into thereservoir18.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.10, when both themale interlocking ring14 and thefemale interlocking ring20 are completely mated together astop60 is formed. Thestop60 positions therefill bottle10 ortube12 relative to thereservoir18 in a manner that assists and/or optimizes filling of thereservoir18. Subsequent removal of therefill bottle10 ortube12 from thereservoir18 causes sealing of therefill bottle10 ortube12 and thereservoir18 so as to reduce and/or prevent leakage of the pre-vapor formulation.

In at least one example embodiment, the at least onegroove22 and the at least oneprotrusion16 may have various different profiles so long as they are configured to mate together. In use, if theprotrusions22 andgrooves16 do not align, mating between afirst section40 and therefill bottle10 may not occur and pre-vapor formulation may not be released, or at least not fully released, from thebottle10 ortube12. Moreover, the number ofprotrusions16 andgrooves22 and the position of theprotrusions16 andgrooves22 on themale interlocking ring14 and thefemale interlocking ring20 may vary so long as the number ofgrooves22 and positioning thereof is the same as the number and positioning of theprotrusions16. For example, thegrooves22 may be evenly spaced around a circumference of thefemale interlocking ring20 or thegrooves22 may be unevenly spaced around the circumference of thefemale interlocking ring20. Likewise, theprotrusions16 may be evenly spaced around a circumference of themale interlocking ring14 or theprotrusions16 may be unevenly spaced around the circumference of themale interlocking ring14.

In at least one example embodiment, themale interlocking ring14 and thefemale interlocking ring20 may be formed of a colored material, such as plastic. The color may indicate whether themale interlocking ring14 and thefemale interlocking ring20 are compatible for mating. Moreover, the color of themale interlocking ring14 and thefemale interlocking ring20 may be chosen to identify the flavor and/or aroma of the pre-vapor formulation included in thereservoir18 and/or therefill bottle10 ortube12. Color coding of therings14,20 may also prevent and/or reduce cross contamination as an adult vaper may easily identify the proper refill.

FIG.11 is a top planar view of an electronic vaping device according to at least one example embodiment.

At least one example embodiment relates to anelectronic vaping device72 as shown inFIG.11. Theelectronic vaping device72 may include a first section orcartridge40 and asecond section80. Thefirst section40 and thesecond section80 may be connected by aconnector82 that may be a threaded connector or any other suitable connector. Theelectronic vaping device72 includes anouter housing70,70′ extending in a longitudinal direction. At least oneair inlet86 permits air to enter theelectronic vaping device72 during vaping. In some example embodiments, theair inlet86 may be in theconnector82.

In at least one example embodiment, thehousing70,70′ of theelectronic vaping device72 may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. In at least one example embodiment, thehousing70,70′ is cylindrical and is formed at least partially of metal. Although the housing is described herein as cylindrical, other forms and shapes are contemplated.

FIG.12 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic vaping device according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.12, thereservoir18 is housed in thecartridge40. Thereservoir18 located in an outer annulus between anouter housing70 and the chimney (inner tube)58 as described in U.S. patent application Publication No. 2013/0192615 to Tucker et al., the entire content of which is incorporated herein by this reference thereto. In at least one example embodiment, thechimney58 forms a central air passage, and thereservoir18 at least partially surrounds the central air passage.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.12, thefirst section40 may house the mouth-end insert24, theheater88, thewick90 in fluid communication with theheater88, and thereservoir18. Thesecond section72 may house apower supply102, a control circuit104, and optionally apuff sensor106.

In at least one example embodiment, thereservoir18 may be refillable via an opening once the pre-vapor formulation is depleted.

In at least one example embodiment, thereservoir18 stores the pre-vapor formulation and optionally a storage medium (not shown) configured to store the pre-vapor formulation therein. Thewick90 may extend into thereservoir18 so as to deliver the pre-vapor formulation from thereservoir18 to theheater88, which heats the pre-vapor formulation to form a vapor.

In at least one example embodiment, thepower supply102 may include a battery arranged in thesecond section80 of theelectronic vaping device72. Thepower supply102 is configured to apply voltage across theheater88. Thus, theheater88 vaporizes a portion of the pre-vapor formulation according to a power cycle of a predetermined time period, such as a 0.5 to 10 second period.

In at least one example embodiment, the battery may be a Lithium-ion battery or one of its variants, for example a Lithium-ion polymer battery. In at least one example embodiment, the battery may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, a Lithium-manganese battery, a Lithium-cobalt battery or a fuel cell. Theelectronic vaping device72 may be vapable by an adult vaper until the energy in thepower supply102 is depleted. In at least one example embodiment, thepower supply102 may be rechargeable and may include a control circuit that allows the battery to be chargeable by an external charging device.

In at least one example embodiment, the control circuit104 may be programmable and may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In at least one example embodiment, the control circuit104 may include a microprocessor programmed to carry out functions such as heating.

In at least one example embodiment, the control circuit104 may be arranged on a printed circuit board. The control circuit104 may also include a heater activation light110, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) that is configured to glow when theheater88 is activated.

FIG.13 is a perspective view of a first section including a mouthpiece according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.13, thefirst section40 houses thereservoir18. Amouthpiece46 may be positioned around a mouth-end44 of thefirst section40. Themouthpiece46 may be removable so as to access and refill thereservoir18. Thefirst section40 may be joined together with a separate battery section (shown inFIG.13).

In some example embodiments, thefemale interlocking ring20 may be associated with therefill bottle10 ortube12 and themale interlocking ring14 may be associated with thefirst section40 or thereservoir18.

In at least one example embodiment, a refill system or kit can include areservoir18 orcartridge40 including thereservoir18 along with at least onerefill bottle10 and/ortube12 including themale interlocking ring14 and thefemale interlocking ring20. Therefill bottle10 and/ortube12 can include different pre-vapor formulations or the same pre-vapor formulations.

In at least one example embodiment, (not shown) thereservoir18 may be a removable bottle, container, or other structure configured to hold the pre-vapor formulation rather than being integrally formed with acartridge40. The male and/orfemale locking ring14,20 may surround an opening in thereservoir18 to facilitate refilling of thereservoir18.

In at least one example embodiment, the tank refill system described herein allows for easy, leak-free and spill-free refilling of an electronic vaping device. Moreover, by color-coding the male and female interlocking rings, manufacturers may indicate which pre-vapor formulation and/or refills are compatible with specific electronic vaping devices. In addition, since at least one example embodiment of the refill may not be used without an electronic vaping device including a compatible interlocking ring, the refill and/or the device may not leak pre-vapor formulation, release pre-vapor formulation, or be accessed without first mating the interlocking rings. Thus, the tank refill system is a substantially child-proof system that substantially prevents and/or reduces exposure to the pre-vapor formulation.

In addition, it is contemplated that embodiments of the tank refill system described herein may be used in medical applications, such as for filling intravenous bags with medications without the use of a needle. Thus, the tank refill system may provide safer and easier refill of medical equipment and devices while also preventing and/or reducing refill of the wrong pre-vapor formulations.

In at least one example embodiment, the refill container (bottle10 or tube12) of the tank refill system may contain only liquid, suspension, solution, gas, or other flowable substances and/or formulations.

In at least one example embodiment, the male and female interlocking rings14,20 need not be included, but may be included as a secondary locking mechanism and/or to indicate whether the refill container will mate with thereservoir18 and/or what flavor of pre-vapor formulation therefill container10,12 holds. Thus, the container andreservoir18 may include only thevalve42 and theball valve26.

In at least one example embodiment, one or more additional safety mechanisms may be included in conjunction with the male and female interlocking rings14,20 and/or in conjunction with theperforated disk62 andteeth84 mechanism described above.

FIG.14 is a cross-sectional view of a refill container according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, a refill container may include arefill interface200 instead of the male and/or female interlocking ring as described above. As shown inFIG.14, therefill bottle10 ortube12 may include therefill interface200 positioned about anopening201 in thebottle10 ortube12. Therefill interface200 includes aneck207 that is configured to be inserted into a neck450 (shown inFIG.16) of a cartridge as described below. Theneck207 includes ashoulder portion235 and at least oneprotrusion209 extending from an end of theneck207. At least one O-ring205 circumscribes theneck207. Abase portion241 of therefill interface200 surrounds aside wall243 that surrounds theopening201 of thebottle10. Theside wall243 may include aflange247 against which thegasket portion215 rests when a flexibleball valve assembly211 rests in a closed position.

In at least one example embodiment, the flexibleball valve assembly211 includes aball valve213 extending from avalve support256. The flexibleball valve assembly211 is positioned within theneck207 of therefill interface200, such that theflexible ball valve213 blocks anopening221 in theneck207. Theflexible ball valve213 is integrally formed with agasket portion215 that is sized and configured to seal theopening201 of thebottle10 ortube12. Thegasket portion215 of theflexible ball valve213 has an outer surface that is generally cylindrical, such that thegasket portion215 snugly fits within theneck207. Thegasket portion215 extends from avalve shoulder portion214 of theball valve assembly211. Theshoulder portion214 is connected to an end of thevalve support256 opposite from theball valve213. Theshoulder portion214 may be thinner than thevalve support256. When pressure is applied to theball valve213, theshoulder portion214 flexes downwardly and bending of thevalve support256 is reduced and/or minimized

In at least one example embodiment, the flexibleball valve assembly211 is formed of a compressible and/or flexible material, such as rubber or plastic. The flexibleball valve assembly211 is resilient such that theflexible ball valve213 returns to an original state when pressure is not applied to theflexible ball valve213.

In at least one example embodiment, pre-vapor formulation is only released from thebottle10 orcontainer12 when the flexibleball valve assembly211 is pushed in and caused to flex. Once the flexibleball valve assembly211 is pushed in, an opening between theball valve213 and the bottle neck occurs, such that the pre-vapor formulation may flow from arefill reservoir231, through the openings217 (shown inFIG.15), through theneck207, and into thereservoir18 of thecartridge40.

FIG.16 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of a cartridge including a valve according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.16, thecartridge40 may include aflexible valve300 instead of the spring-loaded disk and female and/or male interlocking ring as described above. As shown inFIG.16, theflexible valve300 includes afirst ring302 connected to asecond ring304 by one or more pillars206.

In at least one example embodiment, thehousing70 includes aneck450 that surrounds the opening of thecartridge40. Thehousing70 may also include astop400 on an inner surface of thehousing70. Thechimney58 may include one ormore chimney protrusions297 around an outer surface of thechimney58. The one ormore chimney protrusions297 may include a ring that circumscribes thechimney58 or a plurality of individual protrusions spaced about thechimney58. Thefirst ring302 of theflexible valve300 surrounds thechimney58 and rests against thestop400 in a closed position. Afirst opening310 in thefirst ring302 rests against and/or is sealed by thechimney58 may also include apronged portion402 against which aninner base447 of thefirst ring302 rests in the closed position. Afirst opening310 in thefirst ring302 rests against and/or is sealed by thepronged portion402 of thechimney58 in the closed position. Thesecond ring304 also surrounds thechimney58 and rests against the one ormore protrusions297 in the closed and open positions.

In at least one example embodiment, theflexible valve300 may be made of a flexible and/or compressible material such as rubber or plastic. The material is resilient. The material is a food-grade material that does not react with the pre-vapor formulation.

FIG.17 is a perspective view of the valve ofFIG.16 according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.17, theflexible valve300 may include thefirst ring302 connected to thesecond ring308 by the one ormore pillars306. As shown, thefirst ring302 has a larger diameter than thesecond ring308, such that thefirst ring302 has a diameter that is slightly less than an inner diameter of thehousing70. Thus, pre-vapor formulation may travel between theouter housing70 and thefirst ring302 when theflexible valve300 is in an open position. The one ormore pillars306 may decline from thefirst ring302 to thesecond ring304, such that the one ormore pillars306 may be generally concave. Theflexible valve300 may also include afirst opening310 that seals against thepronged portion402 in thechimney58, and asecond opening308 through which thechimney58 extends (as shown inFIG.16).

FIG.18 is a cross-sectional view of thecartridge40 ofFIG.16 mated with the refill container ofFIG.14.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.18, when theneck207 of therefill interface200 is inserted into theneck450 of thecartridge40, the O-ring205 seals the opening to prevent leakage of the pre-vapor formulation during filling. Thechimney58 presses against theflexible ball valve213 in theneck207, such that theflexible ball valve213 seals thechimney58, and theflexible ball valve213 is pressed downwards within therefill interface200. When theflexible ball valve213 is pressed downwards, aspace700 is created between theflexible ball valve213 and theneck207 to allow pre-vapor formulation to flow from thereservoir231, through theopenings217 in theflexible ball valve213, through theneck207, and into the reservoir being refilled. Simultaneously, the at least oneprotrusion209 of theneck207 presses against thefirst ring302 of theflexible valve300, so as to cause theflexible valve300 to flex as thesecond ring304 presses tightly against the one ormore chimney protrusions297. As theflexible valve300 flexes, thepillars306 bulge inwardly and thefirst ring302 moves away from thestop400 to create aspace705 through which the pre-vapor formulation flows into thereservoir18.

FIG.19 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of a cartridge including a flexible valve according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.19, thecartridge40 is generally the same as inFIG.16, except that theflexible valve500 includes one ormore pillars502 that extend outwardly from afirst ring506 to asecond ring504, such that thepillars502 are generally convex in shape.

FIG.20 is a perspective view of the flexible valve ofFIG.19 according to at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.20, theflexible valve500 may include threepillars502 connecting thefirst ring506 to thesecond ring504. Thepillars502 may be substantially uniformly spaced about a circumference of each of thefirst ring506 and thesecond ring504.

FIG.21 is a cross-sectional view of thecartridge40 ofFIG.19 mated with the refill container ofFIG.14.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.21, when mated, theball valve213 presses against thechimney58 and theprotrusions209 press against thefirst ring506 causing theflexible valve500 to flex and allow pre-vapor formulation to enter thereservoir18.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.21, instead of afilamentary wick90 andheater88 as shown inFIG.16, theheater88 may be a planar, surface heater adjacent to and/or in contact with awick90 extending from a base of thereservoir18. In another example embodiment, thefilamentary wick90 and/orheater88 may be positioned at a base of thereservoir18.

FIG.22 is a cross-sectional view of acartridge40 including the valve ofFIG.16 and including aremovable mouthpiece46.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.22, themouthpiece46 may include anoutlet602 extending though themouthpiece46. One or more O-rings600 may circumscribe an outer portion of themouthpiece46 and may aid in reducing and/or preventing leakage of pre-vapor formulation from thereservoir18.

FIG.23 is a cross-sectional view of acartridge40 including the valve ofFIG.19 and including aremovable mouthpiece46.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIG.23, thecartridge40 includes theflexible valve500 ofFIG.19 and themouthpiece46 ofFIG.22.

When the word “about” is used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numerical value. Moreover, when reference is made to percentages in this specification, it is intended that those percentages are based on weight, i.e., weight percentages. The expression “up to” includes amounts of zero to the expressed upper limit and all values therebetween. When ranges are specified, the range includes all values therebetween such as increments of 0.1%.

Moreover, when the words “generally” and “substantially” are used in connection with geometric shapes, it is intended that precision of the geometric shape is not required but that latitude for the shape is within the scope of the disclosure. When used with geometric terms, the words “generally” and “substantially” are intended to encompass not only features which meet the strict definitions but also features which fairly approximate the strict definitions.

It will now be apparent that a new, improved, and nonobvious electronic vaping device has been described in this specification with sufficient particularity as to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications, variations, substitutions, and equivalents exist for features of the electronic vaping device, which do not materially depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the refill bottle or tube may be any container configured to hold the pre-vapor formulation. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such modifications, variations, substitutions, and equivalents which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims shall be embraced by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

We claim:

1. An electronic vaping device comprising:

a housing;

a chimney in the housing, the chimney including,

a protrusion along a length of the chimney;

a refillable reservoir between the housing and the chimney;

a flexible valve circumscribing at least a portion of the chimney, the flexible valve including,

a first ring,

a second ring, and

at least one pillar connecting the first ring and the second ring;

a vaporizer configured to vaporize a pre-vapor formulation; and

a power supply configured to supply power to the vaporizer.

2. The electronic vaping device ofclaim 1, wherein the first ring has a larger outer diameter than the second ring.

3. The electronic vaping device ofclaim 1, wherein a diameter of the first ring is smaller than an inner diameter of the housing.

4. The electronic vaping device ofclaim 1, wherein

an outer diameter of the first ring is larger than an outer diameter of the second ring; and

the outer diameter of the first ring is smaller than an inner diameter of the housing.

5. The electronic vaping device ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible valve is formed of a flexible material including rubber.

6. The electronic vaping device ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one pillar includes four pillars.

7. The electronic vaping device ofclaim 6, wherein the four pillars are concave.

8. The electronic vaping device ofclaim 1, wherein the housing includes a stop on an inner surface of the housing.

9. The electronic vaping device ofclaim 8, wherein the first ring abuts the stop when the flexible valve is in a closed position.

10. The electronic vaping device ofclaim 9, wherein the second ring abuts the protrusion when the flexible valve is in a closed position and when the flexible valve is in an open position.

11. A cartridge of an electronic vaping device, the cartridge comprising:

a housing;

a chimney in the housing, the chimney including,

a protrusion along a length of the chimney;

a refillable reservoir between the housing and the chimney; and

a flexible valve circumscribing at least a portion of the chimney, the flexible valve including,

a first ring,

a second ring, and

at least one pillar connecting the first ring and the second ring.

12. The cartridge ofclaim 11, wherein the first ring has a larger outer diameter than the second ring.

13. The cartridge ofclaim 11, wherein a diameter of the first ring is smaller than an inner diameter of the housing.

14. The cartridge ofclaim 11, wherein

an outer diameter of the first ring is larger than an outer diameter of the second ring; and

the outer diameter of the first ring is smaller than an inner diameter of the housing.

15. The cartridge ofclaim 11, wherein the flexible valve is formed of a flexible material including rubber.

16. The cartridge ofclaim 11, wherein the at least one pillar includes four pillars.

17. The cartridge ofclaim 16, wherein the four pillars are concave.

18. The cartridge ofclaim 11, wherein the housing includes a stop on an inner surface of the housing.

19. The cartridge ofclaim 18, wherein the first ring abuts the stop when the flexible valve is in a closed position.

20. The cartridge ofclaim 18, wherein the second ring abuts the protrusion when the flexible valve is in a closed position and when the flexible valve is in an open position.

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